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Bern fans rejoice.

It was a long time coming, but last year Bern finally released their first cycling-specific helmet: the Allston. The designers worked with the world's best cyclo-cross racers and bicycle messengers to create a helmet that performs as well as it looks, from rugged cross courses to urban environments, and haven't seen the need to mess with what works.

Sixteen strategically-placed vents result in fifty percent more airflow than in other Bern models, making it ideal for hot days and long rides. Zipmold technology uses a liquid injection method that fuses lightweight high-impact foam and a tough PVC shell to protect your noggin without weighing you down, and Sink Fit features a low-profile configuration so the helmet fits around your head, not on top. An integrated visor can be worn flipped up to suit your style or down to shade your eyes.

Here's what others have to say...

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Versatile

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

This helmet is a handy multipurpose lid I keep in our car, ready for MTB or trips to the skate park. My son uses it on his urban bike, mountain bike and to skate in. Very well ventilated, the rim is removable and washable. The only issue I found was the sizing ran large and is hard to dial in. Other than that the Allston is a great brain bucket.

Comment on Laura K Stewart's review:

Hey Barrett, Yes it is. It snaps in - you can actually get a winter liner and wear this all year long. The summer liner is just a thin meshy material - the main feature is the brim, but that pulls out with the rest of the liner.

With bikes and skis

Comment on David Steele's photo:

Ski mountaineers rejoice

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Bern's premise really strikes a cord with me--when you do lots of things that require helmets of a similar style and strength need, what's the point of owning more of them? Though the Allston is billed as the first "bike focused" helmet from Bern, the inner caution notes that it is "intended for use in biking, skating, and other non-motorized recreational snow sports (such as skiing, snowboarding, and other alpine sports)".

This crossover is especially helpful in solving the problem of the ski mountaineering helmet. It has to be light and breathable, but also able to deal with the lateral impacts that can result from a ski crash. This counts a lot of the climbing focused helmets out, as they're designed towards vertical rock fall, not lateral head impact. So in the Allston, I've found a great option that works great while running bike errands around town or while doing committed ski mountaineering.

I find the locked down ear straps to be really nice, as you don't have to hassle with them. The boa style back cinch allows for a beanie or helmet liner underneath, or just going bare head. I'd recommend some kind of liner or hood for cold use, as it certainly vents well enough to be cold with nothing else there.

Perhaps not as light as some of the mountaineering helmets out there, but I like the peace of mind in knowing that it's got better chops for a ski wreck.

Comment on David Steele's review:

Breathable Bern!

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I recently received this updated version of the Allston, and am an even bigger fan than I was of the first edition Allston.

The two main updates over the previous version are; revised rear retention system and a fixed position under the ear chin strap. The previous double Velcro retention system, that I do not feel helped securely snug the rear of the helmet to your head is now a 'BOA' style dial that is fixed to the inner liner and helps snug in the rear of the helmet quite nicely. The previously adjustable straps under the ear, that I feel are a constant battle to find the right position as well as lay flat on the face; have been replaced with a non adjustable, sewn strap that is very comfortable next to skin and is a vast important in my eyes.

The stand out feature of this helmet above all other previous Bern models would certainly be it's ventilation; with 16 large vents, I have no issues wearing this with or without a cycling cap on warmer days. This is my go-to helmet for commuting around town, running to the store/bar, and any other cycling adventure where I would prefer a more durable helmet over a super lightweight one.